Vertical cable manager

ABSTRACT

A cable manager includes one or more cable manager units. Each cable manager unit includes a pair of side cable guides, each comprised of a plurality of finger-like projections extending forwardly from a support column. At least one of the pair of support columns has a socket arranged at a side thereof. Each cable manager unit further includes a separate midsection member capable of insertion into the socket for interconnecting the pair of side cable guides.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a U.S. continuation patent application of,and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to, U.S. nonprovisional patentapplication Ser. No. 15/428,515, filed Feb. 9, 2017, which '515application published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2017/0155235 A1 on Jun. 1, 2017 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,899,812 onFeb. 20, 2018, which '515 application, the publication thereof, and thepatent issuing therefrom are each incorporated by reference herein intheir entirety, and which '515 application is a U.S. continuation patentapplication of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to, U.S.nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/160,557, filed May 20,2016, which '557 application published as U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. US 2016/0268788 A1 on Sep. 15, 2016 and issued as U.S.Pat. No. 9,577,414 on Feb. 21, 2017, which '557 application, thepublication thereof, and the patent issuing therefrom are eachincorporated by reference herein in their entirety, and which '557application is a U.S. continuation patent application of, and claimspriority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to, U.S. nonprovisional patentapplication Ser. No. 14/712,618, filed May 14, 2015, which '618application published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2015/0249326 A1 on Sep. 3, 2015 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,350,146 onMay 24, 2016, which '618 application, the publication thereof, and thepatent issuing therefrom are each incorporated by reference herein intheir entirety, and which '618 application is a U.S. continuation patentapplication of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to, U.S.nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 14/049,860, filed Oct. 9,2013, which '860 application published as U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. US 2014/0097020 A1 on Apr. 10, 2014 and issued as U.S.Pat. No. 9,054,506 on Jun. 9, 2015, which '860 application, thepublication thereof, and the patent issuing therefrom are eachincorporated by reference herein in their entirety, and which '860application is a U.S. continuation patent application of, and claimspriority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to, U.S. nonprovisional patentapplication Ser. No. 13/007,723, filed Jan. 17, 2011, which '723application published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2011/0180295 A1 on Jul. 28, 2011 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,558,113on Oct. 15, 2013, which '723 application, the publication thereof, andthe patent issuing therefrom are each incorporated by reference hereinin their entirety, and which '723 application is a U.S. nonprovisionalpatent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to,U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/295,736, filed Jan. 17,2010 and entitled, “VERTICAL CABLE MANAGER,” which '736 application isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Additionally, each ofthe following U.S. patent applications, and any publication thereof, isexpressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety:

-   -   (a) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/295,737,        filed Jan. 17, 2010 and entitled, “HORIZONTAL CABLE MANAGER;”        and    -   (b) U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 13/007,724,        filed Jan. 17, 2011 and entitled, “HORIZONTAL CABLE MANAGER,”        which '724 application published as U.S. Patent Application        Publication No. US 2011/0174534 A1 on Jul. 21, 2011 and issued        as U.S. Pat. No. 8,710,369 on Apr. 29, 2014.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION Field of the Present Invention

The present invention relates generally to cable management systems fortelecommunications cables, and, in particular, to vertical cablemanagers that may be assembled quickly and with minimal tools.

Background

Racks, frames, cabinets and the like for supporting computer and otherelectronic equipment are very well known. Similarly, raceways forrouting cables and wires to and from that equipment are likewise wellknown. In particular, a number of raceways have been proposed forrouting cables, wires and the like (generally referred to hereinafter as“cables”) vertically through or adjacent to equipment racks, frames,cabinets and the like (generally referred to hereinafter as “mountingfixtures”). Such raceways may be used to route cables vertically toequipment mounted or otherwise supported on a mounting fixture fromother equipment on the mounting fixture, from an overhead or underfloorraceway, or the like. These cables are generally routed in the verticaldirection to a point adjacent to the desired equipment and then routedin the horizontal direction to the desired equipment.

An important characteristic of such raceways is the presence of aplurality of openings in the sides of the raceway through which cablesmay be routed, thereby facilitating more convenient access between theequipment and the interior of the raceway. For example, U.S. Pat. No.2,921,607 to Caveney, U.S. Pat. No. 3,705,949 to Weiss,commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 7,119,282 to Krietzman et al., and U.S.Pat. No. 7,285,027 to McGrath et al. each disclose a covered wiring ductor wireway which includes side walls having a series of finger-likeprojections separated by openings. The cables may be routed through theopenings by bending them around the projections, thus allowing thecables to be routed with relative precision, and preventing cables fromhanging loosely across the face of the rack itself. A gap at the distalends of each pair of adjacent projections permits cables to be insertedinto each respective opening. The gap is narrower than the opening, thusaiding in the retention of the cables within the opening. The distalends of all the projections may then be covered by a cover, thusproviding further retention capability.

It is often advantageous to provide a cable raceway having a frontportion and a rear portion wherein two separate channels areestablished, either within the raceway itself or through the use ofadditional accessories. In such raceways, the separate channels arecommonly established by a partition or “midsection,” often withpassthrough openings therein. Until recently, such products utilized afixed midsection that is attached to the vertical side rails in oneposition only. The fixed midsection provides strength and rigidity tothe total structure. One downside of a fixed midsection is that itreduces cable capacity. Furthermore, installers find it difficult toposition cables front-to-back, and lashing bars and spools are notflexibly available. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,220,150 to Follingstadet al. discloses the use of spools, but the positions of the spools arerelatively fixed.

More recently, more flexible midsections have been provided. Forexample, midsection members that are vertically and horizontallyrepositionable and horizontally adjustable have been proposed incommonly-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/350,216 to Garzaet al. However, assembling and disassembling vertical cable managersusing such midsection members is time-consuming and requires the use oftools, and the components themselves are expensive to manufacture.Furthermore, such cable managers and/or their components are bulky,making shipment more costly and otherwise problematic. Thus, a needexists for an improved vertical cable manager.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention comprises a cable manager, and particularly avertical cable manager.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to one aspect is acable manager including: one or more cable manager units, each having apair of side cable guides; and a separate midsection member capable ofinsertion into at least one of the pair of side cable guides.

In a feature of this aspect, the cable manager further includes a doorfor attachment at the ends of the cable guides.

In another feature of this aspect, two or more cable manager units areconnected together with at least one splice plate.

In another feature of this aspect, each cable guide includes a pluralityof T-shaped projections extending forwardly from a vertical supportcolumn. In further features, a pair of adjacent T-shaped projectionsdefines a cable ring formed by respective shafts and crosspieces of thepair of T-shaped projections; and each T-shaped projection has ribs forproviding the projection with a reinforced construction.

In another feature of this aspect, each cable guide includes amidsection member socket for receipt and retention of an end of themidsection member. In a further feature, the midsection member sockethas a large taper such that the width of the socket at the entrance iswider than that of the midsection member.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is amidsection member for a cable manager including a web and a pair offlanges at opposite ends of the web, wherein the web includes: analignment slot at an end thereof for positioning the midsection membervertically within a corresponding socket of the cable manager; and oneor more alignment bosses for positioning the midsection member laterallywithin the corresponding socket of the cable manager.

In a feature of this aspect, the web further includes one or more cableguide locking holes for engaging with cable guide locking tabs of thecable manager, wherein, upon engagement, the midsection member isretained in the socket of the cable manager.

In another feature of this aspect, the web further includes one or moreaccessory attachment apertures.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is asplice plate for connecting side cable guides of a cable managertogether, the splice plate including an elongate plate having a notch ateach end thereof, wherein each notch includes one or more lockingcatches.

In a feature of this aspect, the splice plate is adapted for receipt bya side cable guide, whereby the one or more locking catches at one endof the elongate plate engage with a locking tab of the side cable guide.

In another feature of this aspect, each end of the elongate plate issecured to one of the pair of side cable guides, thereby securing theside cable guides together.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is adoor for a cable manager, including a center panel and a pair ofseparate edge pieces.

In a feature of this aspect, each edge piece includes a hinge structureand a pair of fingers that define a channel for receipt of an edge ofthe central panel. In further features, the hinge structure is adaptedto facilitate attachment of the door to one or more hinge bosses of aside cable guide; the hinge structure includes two arms that define ahinge channel for engagement with the one or more hinge bosses; and thedoor is adapted to be opened along either side thereof by detaching thehinge structure from the one or more hinge bosses at one side of thedoor and rotating the door about the hinge bosses at the opposite of thedoor.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is acable management projection having crescent-shaped reinforcement walls.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspect is acable management structure having an accessory mounting aperturedefining a T-shaped slot for receiving a head of a hex-headed bolt.

In a feature of this aspect, the T-shaped slot is adapted to prevent thehex-headed bolt from rotation therein.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to one aspect is acable manager that includes two or more vertical cable manager unitsstacked on top of each other to create a modular vertical cable manager.

In a feature of this aspect, the vertical cable manager units areconnected to each other with a splice plate.

In another feature of this aspect, the cable manager units havedifferent lengths.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspectincludes a cable manager that includes one or more cable manager units.Each cable manager unit includes a pair of side cable guides, eachcomprised of a plurality of finger-like projections extending forwardlyfrom a support column. At least one of the pair of support columns has asocket arranged at a side thereof. Each cable manager unit furtherincludes a separate midsection member capable of insertion into thesocket for interconnecting the pair of side cable guides.

In features of this aspect, at least one of the finger-like projectionsmay include at least one crescent-shaped reinforcement wall; at leastone of the finger-like projections may have a U-shaped cross-section;the finger-like projections of each side cable guide may be arranged ina row such that adjacent finger-like projections are spaced apart byapproximately 1 RMU; the finger-like projections may include T-shapedprojections each having a shaft and a crosspiece; a pair of adjacentT-shaped projections may define a cable ring formed by respective shaftsand crosspieces of the pair of T-shaped projections; the cable ring mayinclude a gap between ends of the respective crosspieces, therebypermitting insertion of a cable into the cable ring; and, with respectto each side cable guide, the finger-like projections may be integrallyformed with the support column.

In other features of this aspect, each socket may have a large tapersuch that the width of an entrance thereof is wider than the width ofthe midsection member and the interior of the socket is narrower thanthe entrance; the midsection member may include a web having flanges atopposite sides thereof the flanges may each have a closed profile; theweb may include at least one alignment slot at an end thereof andextending inwardly, the alignment slot being adapted to fit over a shelfin the at least one socket; the web may include at least one alignmentboss disposed at or near an end thereof for positioning the midsectionmember laterally within the at least one socket; the web may include atleast one locking aperture disposed at or near an thereof for engagementwith a locking tab within the at least one socket, thereby retaining themidsection member therein; the locking tab may be beveled to permit themidsection member to be snap fit; and the midsection member may beremovable from the at least one socket by depressing the locking tab.

In other features of this aspect, two cable manager units may be stackedon top of one another in an end-to-end relationship and connectedtogether with at least one splice plate, thereby forming a modular cablemanager; the two cable manager units may have different lengths; theside cable guides at one side of the modular cable manager may eachinclude a plurality of tabs defining a receptacle for receiving an endof the at least one splice plate; the side cable guides at one side ofthe modular cable manager may each include a lock tab disposed thereonthat corresponds with slots at opposite ends of the at least one spliceplate, wherein the lock tab is adapted to be deflectable until the atleast one splice plate is fully seated; the at least one splice platemay include a locking catch, at each end thereof, for hooking around arespective locking tab; the at least one splice plate may be removablefrom the side cable guides by depressing the locking tabs; and thesplice plate may be adapted to permit tool-less assembly of the modularcable manager.

In other features of this aspect, at least one of the side cable guidesmay include an accessory mounting aperture defining a T-shaped slot forreceiving a head of a hex-headed bolt; and the T-shaped slot may beadapted to prevent the hex-headed bolt from rotation therein.

In still other features of this aspect, at least one of the finger-likeprojections may include a hinge boss disposed at an end thereof; thecable manager may further comprise a door, wherein the door has a centerpanel and a hinge structure along at least one edge thereof to receiveone or more hinge bosses, thereby facilitating rotatable attachment ofthe door to the side cable guides; the hinge structure may be integralwith the door; the hinge structure may be integral with the centerpanel; the hinge structure may be a separate component attachable to thecenter panel; the hinge structure may include two fingers that define achannel to receive an edge of the center panel; the hinge structure maybe snap-fitted to the center panel; the hinge structure and center panelmay be composed of different materials; the hinge structure may includean inner arm having a semi-cylindrical inner surface adapted to rotatearound a portion of the at least one hinge boss; the hinge structure mayinclude a retaining stop at a distal end thereof for retaining the doorat an open position when the retaining stop reaches and engages a camarranged at a distal end of the at least one hinge boss; and the doormay be adapted to be opened along either side thereof by detaching thehinge structure from the at least one hinge boss at one side of the doorand rotating the door about another at least one hinge boss at theopposite of the door.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspectincludes a cable manager that includes one or more cable manager units.Each cable manager unit includes a pair of side cable guides, at leastone hinge boss on each of the pair of side cable guides, and a door.Each side cable guide is comprised of a plurality of generally T-shapedprojections, each having a shaft and a crosspiece, extending forwardlyfrom a support column. Each hinge boss is disposed at the end of arespective one of the generally T-shaped projections. The door has acenter panel and a hinge structure along edges thereof to receive one ormore of the hinge bosses, thereby facilitating rotatable attachment ofthe door to the side cable guide. The door is adapted to be opened alongeither side thereof by detaching the hinge structure from the at leastone hinge boss at one side of the door and rotating the door aboutanother at least one hinge boss at the opposite of the door.

In features of this aspect, the hinge structure may be integral with thedoor; the hinge structure may be integral with the center panel; thehinge structure may be a separate component attachable to the centerpanel; the hinge structure may include two fingers that define a channelto receive an edge of the center panel; the hinge structure may besnap-fitted to the center panel; the hinge structure and center panelmay be composed of different materials; the hinge structure may includean inner arm having a semi-cylindrical inner surface adapted to rotatearound a portion of the at least one hinge boss; and the hinge structuremay include a retaining stop at a distal end thereof for retaining thedoor at an open position when the retaining stop reaches and engages acam arranged at a distal end of the at least one hinge boss.

In other features of this aspect, at least one of the generally T-shapedprojections may include at least one crescent-shaped reinforcement wall;at least one of the generally T-shaped projections may have a U-shapedcross-section; the generally T-shaped projections of each side cableguide may be arranged in a row such that adjacent T-shaped projectionsare spaced apart by approximately 1 RMU; a pair of adjacent T-shapedprojections may define a cable ring formed by respective shafts andcrosspieces of the pair of T-shaped projections; the cable ring mayinclude a gap between ends of the respective crosspieces, therebypermitting insertion of a cable into the cable ring; and, with respectto each side cable guide, the generally T-shaped projections may beintegrally formed with the support column.

In other features of this aspect, the cable manager may further includea separate midsection member for interconnecting the pair of side cableguides; the midsection member may be adapted to be received in socketsarranged in the pair of side cable guides; each socket may have a largetaper such that the width of an entrance thereof is wider than the widthof the midsection member and the interior of the socket is narrower thanthe entrance; the midsection member may include a web having flanges atopposite sides thereof; the flanges may each have a closed profile; theweb may include at least one alignment slot at an end thereof andextending inwardly, the alignment slot being adapted to fit over a shelfin each socket; the web may include at least one alignment boss disposedat or near an end thereof for positioning the midsection memberlaterally within each socket; the web may include at least one lockingaperture disposed at or near an thereof for engagement with a lockingtab within each socket, thereby retaining the midsection member therein;the locking tab may be beveled to permit the midsection member to besnap fit; and the midsection member may be removable from the eachsocket by depressing the corresponding locking tab.

In other features of this aspect, two cable manager units may be stackedon top of one another in an end-to-end relationship and connectedtogether with at least one splice plate, thereby forming a modular cablemanager; the two cable manager units may have different lengths; theside cable guides at one side of the modular cable manager may eachinclude a plurality of tabs defining a receptacle for receiving an endof the at least one splice plate; the side cable guides at one side ofthe modular cable manager may each include a lock tab disposed thereonthat corresponds with slots at opposite ends of the at least one spliceplate, wherein the lock tab is adapted to be deflectable until the atleast one splice plate is fully seated; the at least one splice platemay include a locking catch at each end thereof, for hooking around arespective locking tab; the at least one splice plate may be removablefrom the side cable guides by depressing the locking tabs; and thesplice plate may be adapted to permit tool-less assembly of the modularcable manager.

In still other features of this aspect, at least one of the side cableguides may include an accessory mounting aperture defining a T-shapedslot for receiving a head of a hex-headed bolt; and the T-shaped slotmay be adapted to prevent the hex-headed bolt from rotation therein.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspectincludes a modular cable manager that includes a pair of cable managerunits and at least one splice plate. Each cable manager unit includes apair of sides, each having opposed first and second ends, and amidsection member connecting the pair of sides together, thereby forminga cable trough. The at least one splice plate interconnects the firstend of a side in a first of the cable manager units to the second end ofa side in a second of the cable manager units such that the respectivecable troughs of the pair of cable manager units are contiguous with oneanother.

In features of this aspect, each side may be a side cable guide thatincludes a plurality of finger-like projections extending forwardly froma support column; and the finger-like projections may include T-shapedprojections each having a shaft and a crosspiece.

In other features of this aspect, at least one of the sides may includea socket arranged therein, and the midsection member may be a separatestructure that is capable of insertion into the socket forinterconnecting the respective pair of cable manager unit sides; andeach side may be a side cable guide that includes a plurality offinger-like projections extending forwardly from a support column, andthe socket may be arranged in a side of one of the support columns.

In other features of this aspect, cable manager units of the pair ofcable manager units may be stacked on top of one another in anend-to-end relationship, thereby forming a vertical cable manager; andthe cable manager units of the pair of cable manager units may havedifferent lengths.

In other features of this aspect, a first receptacle may be defined inat least the first end of the first cable manager unit and a secondreceptacle may be defined in at least the second end of the second cablemanager unit, each receptacle adapted to receive an end of one of the atleast one splice plate; each receptacle may be at least partiallydefined by a plurality of tabs; a slot may be arranged in each end ofthe splice plate to interact with a respective receptacle; eachreceptacle may include a lock tab disposed therein to correspond with arespective slot in the splice plate; the lock tab may be adapted to bedeflectable until the at least one splice plate is fully seated withinthe receptacle; the at least one splice plate may include a lockingcatch, at each end thereof, for hooking around a respective locking tab;and the at least one splice plate may be removable from the cablemanager unit sides by depressing the locking tabs.

In still another feature of this aspect, the at least one splice platemay be adapted to permit tool-less assembly of the modular cablemanager.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspectincludes a midsection member for interconnecting a pair of side cableguides of a cable manager. The midsection member includes a web and apair of flanges at opposite edges of the web. The web includes a pair ofalignment slots at opposite ends thereof and extending inwardly, thealignment slots being adapted to fit over a shelf in a correspondingsocket in each of the pair of side cable guides, and one or morealignment bosses for positioning the midsection member laterally withinthe sockets.

In features of this aspect, the web may further include one or morelocking apertures for engaging with locking tabs of the side cableguides, wherein, upon engagement, the midsection member is retained inthe sockets; the locking tabs may be beveled to permit the web to besnap fit into the sockets; the midsection member may be removable fromthe sockets by depressing the locking tabs; the web may further includeone or more accessory attachment apertures; and the flanges may eachhave a closed profile.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspectincludes a splice plate for a cable manager. The splice plate includesan elongate plate having opposite ends, and a notch at each of theopposite ends. Each notch includes one or more locking catches forengaging a locking tab at an end of a side cable guide. Upon engagingthe respective locking tabs in a pair of side cable guides, the lockingcatches secure the side cable guides in an end-to-end relationship withone another, thereby interconnecting the side cable guides.

In features of this aspect, the at least one splice plate may beremovable from the side cable guides by depressing the locking tabs; andthe elongate plate may be adapted to permit tool-less securement of theside cable guides to one another.

Broadly defined, the present invention according to another aspectincludes a door for a cable manager that includes a center panel and apair of edge portions. Each edge portion defines a hinge structureadapted to facilitate attachment of the door to one or more hinge bossesat distal ends of projections of a side cable guide. Each hingestructure includes two arms that define a hinge channel for rotatableengagement with respect to the one or more hinge bosses. The hingestructure includes a retaining stop adapted to retain the door at anopen position when the retaining stop reaches and engages a cam arrangedat a distal end of the one or more hinge bosses.

In features of this aspect, the center panel and the pair of edgeportions are integral with one another; the center panel may beseparable from the pair of edge portions; each of the pair of edgeportions may include a pair of fingers that define a channel for receiptof an edge of the central panel; the center panel and the edge portionsmay be composed of different materials; and the door may be adapted tobe opened along either side thereof.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features, embodiments, and advantages of the present inventionwill become apparent from the following detailed description withreference to the drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a mounting fixture system utilizing avertical cable manager in accordance with a first preferred embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a front isometric view of the vertical cable manager of FIG.1, shown in isolation;

FIGS. 2B and 2C are enlarged views of portions of the vertical cablemanager of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 is a side isometric view of the vertical cable manager of FIG. 1,shown in isolation;

FIG. 4 is a partially exploded isometric view of the vertical cablemanager of FIGS. 2A and 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged rear isometric view of a lower portion of one ofthe side columns of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a reverse side isometric view of one of the T-shapedprojections of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of one of the midsection members of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is an end view of the midsection member of FIG. 7;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are isometric views of the midsection member of FIG. 7being connected to the lower end of the side cable guide of FIG. 5;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 10, takenalong line 11-11;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 10, takenalong line 12-12;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary rear isometric view of a portion of the sidecable guide and midsection member of FIGS. 11 and 12;

FIG. 14 is a profile view of an end of an alternative door for use inone or more preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a profile view of an end of one of the doors of FIG. 4, shownin a partially disassembled state;

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of an end of one of the doors of FIG. 4,shown in a partially disassembled state;

FIGS. 17 and 18 are schematic top views of one of the doors and two ofthe side cable guides of FIG. 4;

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary isometric view of an upper portion of one ofthe doors and one of the side cable guides of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 20 and 21, which are schematic top views of the door and one ofthe side cable guides of FIGS. 17 and 18;

FIG. 22 is an isometric view of one of the splice plates of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 23 and 24 are fragmentary side isometric views of the splice plateof FIG. 22 and one of the side cable guides of FIG. 4;

FIG. 25 is a side plan view of the splice plate of FIG. 22 and two ofthe side cable guides of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 26 and 27 are fragmentary isometric views of a portion of the rearof one of the side cable guides of FIG. 4;

FIG. 28 is a fragmentary isometric view of a cable management accessorybeing attached to a pair of side cable guides;

FIG. 29 is a fragmentary isometric view of two such cable managementaccessories mounted on the pair of side cable guides of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is an isometric view of a set of four midsection members ofdifferent lengths;

FIG. 31 is a side plan view of a set of two side cable guides ofdifferent lengths;

FIG. 32 is a side plan view of a three different pairs of side cableguides representing three different cable manager heights (lengths); and

FIG. 33 is an isometric view of a double-sided vertical cable manager inaccordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one havingordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the presentinvention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodimentdiscussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be partof a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention.Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrativepurposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the presentinvention. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations,modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosedby the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of thepresent invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detailin relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that thisdisclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, andis made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enablingdisclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein ofone or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, tolimit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention,which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof.It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded thepresent invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitationfound herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps ofvarious processes or methods that are described herein are illustrativeand not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, althoughsteps of various processes or methods may be shown and described asbeing in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processesor methods are not limited to being carried out in any particularsequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps insuch processes or methods generally may be carried out in variousdifferent sequences and orders while still falling within the scope ofthe present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope ofpatent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by theappended claims rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refersto that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to meanbased on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that themeaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisanbased on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from anyparticular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that themeaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan shouldprevail.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an”each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a pluralityunless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “apicnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having atleast one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” Incontrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes“a picnic basket having only one apple.”

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one ofthe items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus,reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “apicnic basket having cheese without crackers,” “a picnic basket havingcrackers without cheese,” and “a picnic basket having both cheese andcrackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and”denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnicbasket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket havingcheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well asdescribes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basketfurther has cheese.”

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent likecomponents throughout the several views, the preferred embodiments ofthe present invention are next described. The following description ofone or more preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and isin no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a mounting fixture system 10 utilizing avertical cable manager 30 in accordance with a first preferredembodiment of the present invention. As shown, the system 10 includes aconventional two-post mounting rack 20, next to which is disposed thevertical cable manager 30. Each two-post mounting rack 20 includes apair of vertical support members 12,14, connected at their upper ends bya pair of upper cross-members 16 and at their lower ends by a pair oflower cross-members 18. The posts 12,14 are arranged to support avariety of electronic equipment, accessories and the like, all as iswell known.

It will be apparent to the Ordinary Artisan that the arrangementillustrated in FIG. 1 may be a preferred implementation of one or moreof the vertical cable managers described and illustrated herein.However, it will be appreciated that the vertical cable manager of thepresent invention may be utilized with a variety of mounting fixtures,for example including mounting fixtures formed from four support poststhat may or may not be covered by panels to form an enclosure; and thatmounting fixtures may be alternatively located on one or both sides ofthe cable manager 30, or alternatively may be used in isolation, asdescribed below.

FIGS. 2A and 3 are front and side isometric views of the vertical cablemanager 30 of FIG. 1, shown in isolation, and FIGS. 2B and 2C areenlarged views of portions of the vertical cable manager of FIG. 2A. Asshown therein, the vertical cable manager 30 includes one or morevertical cable manager units 32, each including a pair of side cableguides 42, one or more midsection members 80, and a door 38. Two or morevertical cable manager units 32 may be interconnected using a pair ofsplice plates 34. Each of these components will be described in greaterdetail herein.

FIG. 4 is a partially exploded isometric view of the vertical cablemanager 30 of FIGS. 2A and 3, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged rear isometricview of a lower portion of one of the side cable guides 42 of FIG. 4.Each side cable guide 42 has a plurality of T-shaped rib or fingerprojections 63 extending forwardly from a vertical support column 46.The vertical support column 46 includes at least one, and preferably twoor more, midsection member socket 44 for receiving and retaining an endof a midsection member 80 as further described hereinbelow. Othernotable features of the side cable guide 42, discussed below, includedoor attachment hinge bosses 76 disposed at the ends of some of theT-shaped projections 63, mounting bolt holes 45 which align withcorresponding holes on the vertical support member 12,14 of the rack 20,cable strapping slots 48 to allow cable bundles to be securely attachedinside the cable trough, and rear accessory attachment holes 49.

Each T-shaped projection 63 includes a shaft 66 and a crosspiece 67.Each pair of adjacent T-shaped projections 63 defines a cable ring 68formed by the respective shafts 66 and crosspieces 67 of the projections63 and the body of the support column 46. An opening into each cablering 68 is provided by a gap 69 between the ends of the crosspieces 67of each pair of adjacent projections 63. This gap 69 permits cables tobe inserted into the ring 68 by passing them sideways through the gap69, as described further in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 7,119,282 toKrietzman et al., the entirety of which is expressly incorporated hereinby reference.

FIG. 6 is a reverse side isometric view of one of the T-shapedprojections 63 of FIG. 5. The shaft 66 of the projection 63 utilizes areinforced construction characterized by a series of interlockingcrescent-shaped reinforcement walls or ribs 65. This geometry isdesigned to minimize deflection under load in the vertical, horizontal,and twist directions as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 6. The fingercross section is U-shaped which gives the greatest strength in thevertical and horizontal direction. The interior ribs are designed tominimize the twist and also to add strength in the vertical andhorizontal direction.

The respective projections 63 are evenly spaced along the length of thevertical support column 46 at a standardized spacing. In the embodimentshown and described, the spacing between the respective projections 63is equal to a single standard rack mounting unit (“RMU”)(conventionally, 1.75 inches), but it should be obvious that otherstandard spacings could be used such as spacings measured in alternativeunits or spacings which are multiples of the RMU. By using such astandard spacing, it is ensured that a cable ring 68 is disposed at, anddedicated to, each RMU along the height of a rack 20. Benefits of thisarrangement are further described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,119,282.

In at least one embodiment, the T-shaped projections 63 are integrallyformed with the vertical support column 46 using an injection moldingprocess. In at least some aspects of the present invention, however, theside cable guides 42 may be constructed according to the teachings ofcommonly-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/350,216 to Garzaet al., which published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2009/0236117 A1, the entirety of which is expressly incorporated byreference herein.

Because each cable guide 42 is formed separately from the midsectionmembers 80 and subsequently attached thereto, rather than being formedintegrally therewith, each cable guide 42 may be formed from a differentmaterial than the midsection members 80. Thus, although the midsectionmembers 80 may preferably be formed from metal, each cable guide 42 maybe injection-molded from plastic in order to create rounded or bevelededges along the edges of the T-shaped projections 63. Various advantagesof such an arrangement are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,119,282.

Interconnection between the side cable guides 42 is provided by themidsection members 80. FIG. 7 is an isometric view of one of themidsection members 80 of FIG. 4. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG.4, two midsection members 80 are utilized in each vertical cable managerunit 32 and they are disposed near the ends thereof. However, it will beapparent to the Ordinary Artisan that, in at least some embodiments,greater numbers of midsection members 80 may be used, that they may bespaced evenly or irregularly, and that optional mounting locations maybe available, provided, of course, that appropriate mounting means andlocations are provided on the support columns 46.

FIG. 8 is an end view of the midsection member 80 of FIG. 7. Asillustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, each midsection member 80 includes a web82 and two flanges 83,84, thereby forming a structure that is generallyI-shaped in cross-section. The web 82 is preferably penetrated by aplurality of mounting openings that may include pairs of slots 87,individual apertures 101, groupings of apertures (not shown), or thelike. In the illustrated embodiment, multiple pairs of slots 87 arearranged vertically along the length of the web 82, and a singleaperture 101 is included near the center of the web 82. However, it willbe apparent to the Ordinary Artisan that other arrangements may beprovided, such as any of those disclosed in U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. US 2009/0236117 A1.

Each midsection member 80 further includes a number of elements tofacilitate connection of the member 80 to a pair of the side cableguides 42, including one or more cable guide locking holes 81 near eachend of the web 82, an alignment slot 86 extending inward from each endof the web 82, and one or more cable guide alignment bosses 88 disposednear each end of the web 82. As described below, the alignment slots 86at the ends position the midsection member 80 within the socket 44 inthe cable guide 42 in the vertical direction by fitting over acorresponding shelf (not illustrated) provided in the back of the socket44 for that purpose. The alignment bosses 88 position the midsectionmember 80 laterally within the socket 44. The cable guide locking holes81 engage with cable guide locking tabs 47, described below, to retainthe midsection member 80 in the socket 44. The accessory attachmentfeatures (slots and hole) are for mounting optional accessories such ascable spools and cable lashing bars.

In an alternative not illustrated herein, midsection members comprisingtwo telescoping sections may be substituted for the fixed-lengthmidsection members 80 illustrated herein.

The midsection members 80 may be formed sheet metal; however, othermanufacturing methods could be used such as an extrusion. The flanges83,84 preferably have a formed closed profile that gives the member 80stiffness and also provides a smooth radius edge that prevents damage tocables that pass over the member 80, as perhaps best understood withreference to FIG. 8.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are isometric views of the midsection member 80 of FIG. 7being connected to the lower end of the side cable guide 42 of FIG. 5.As evident therefrom, the end of the midsection member 80 is receivedwithin the socket 44, whose cross-sectional shape corresponds to that ofthe midsection member 80. FIGS. 11 and 12 are cross-sectional views ofthe assembly of FIG. 10, taken along lines 11-11 and 12-12 respectively.As shown in FIG. 11, the socket 44 has a large taper such that the width36 of the slot 44 at the entrance is much wider than that of themidsection member 80, making it easy to insert the member 80, while thebase of the socket 44 is much narrower and is only slightly wider thanthe thickness of the midsection member 80. This geometry tends to holdthe end of the midsection member 80 securely within the socket 44.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, when the midsection member 80 is seatedwithin the socket 44, a shelf 43 located in the back of the socket 44 isinserted into the alignment slot 86, thus enabling the midsection member80 to be positioned vertically within the socket 44 with relativeprecision. The alignment bosses 88 of the midsection member bear oninterior walls of the socket 44, thereby enabling the midsection member80 to be positioned laterally within the socket 44 with relativeprecision. In order to retain the midsection member 80 in thisdisposition, a pair of locking tabs 47 are provided within the socket 44so as to interface with the locking holes 81 in the midsection member80. When enough force is exerted on the midsection member 80 relative tothe side cable guide 42, the end of the web 82 thereof is forced pastthe locking tabs 47, which are beveled for this purpose, and the lockingtabs 47 then snap into the locking holes 81, as shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary rear isometric view of a portion of the sidecable guide 42 and midsection member 80 of FIGS. 11 and 12. Asillustrated therein, a portion of each locking tab 47 extends throughthe body of the cable guide 42 and protrudes therefrom, where it may beaccessed by a user. By depressing the tabs 47, the catch portionsthereof are withdrawn from the locking holes 81 in the midsection member80. In this state, the midsection member 80 may be removed from thesocket 44.

With reference to FIG. 4, it will be appreciated that a single verticalcable manager unit 32 may be assembled by connecting two side cableguides 42 together using two midsection members 80 in the mannerdescribed.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are a profile view and an isometric view of an end ofone of the doors 38 of FIG. 4, shown in a partially disassembled state.As shown therein, each door 38 includes a center panel 70 and two edgepieces 71. The panel 70 may be of any shape but includes series ofoutwardly-extending tabs 72 along the edges thereof. Viewed in profile,each edge piece 71 includes a hinge structure 75, described in greaterdetail hereinbelow, as well as two fingers 73,74 that define a channelinto which fits a respective edge of the panel 70. One finger 74 ishooked to fit over and engage the tabs 72 along the edge of the panel70. Thus, each edge piece 71 may be attached to the panel 70 byinserting the panel edge into the channel defined by the fingers 73,74of the edge piece and snapping the hooked finger 74 over the tabs 72.The composite construction of the door 38 permits the edge pieces 71 andpanels 70 to be manufactured separately and from different materials. Inat least one embodiment, the edge pieces 71 are extruded plastic whilethe panel 70 is constructed of sheet metal. The composite constructionalso permits panels 70 of different widths to be used with the same edgepieces 71 to form doors 38 of different widths.

FIG. 14 is a profile view of an end of an alternative door 138 for usein one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention. Inparticular, the door 138 of FIG. 14 is a single piece, such as a singlepiece plastic extrusion. Such a construction, which utilizes a hingestructure 75 similar to that of the edge pieces 71 of the door 38 ofFIGS. 15 and 16, may generally be substituted for the composite door 38,but may be particularly suitable for cable managers of narrow widths.

Regardless of construction, the door 38,138 is mounted on the side cableguides 42 by snapping the hinge structure 75 onto the hinge bosses 76located on the ends of some of the T-shaped projection 63. This isillustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, which are schematic top views of one ofthe doors 38 and two of the side cable guides 42 of FIG. 4, and FIG. 19,which is a fragmentary isometric view of an upper portion of one of thedoors 38 and one of the side cable guides 42 of FIG. 4. As showntherein, the hinge structure 75 includes two arms 77,78, defining ahinge channel 79, that may be snapped around the hinge bosses 76.Although the friction inherent in these couplings tends to support thedoor 38 at the proper height without need for vertical support, slippagemay be further prevented using stops 39, an example of which is shown inFIG. 19, inserted into the hinge channel 79 so as to bear on the tops ofthe hinge bosses 76 when the door 38 is installed at the proper height.The stops 39 may be of molded or extruded plastic and may be glued orotherwise affixed in place.

With reference to FIG. 19, the outer arm 77 of the hinge structure 75 isadapted to rotate around one side of the hinge boss 76 and includes ahook at its distal end that serves as a door retaining stop, while theinner arm 78 includes a structure having a semi-cylindrical innersurface adapted to rotate around another side of the hinge boss 76. Thedoor 38 is mounted on the side cable guides 41,42 by snapping the hingestructure 75 onto the hinge bosses 76. Once installed, the door 38 maybe opened along either side by unsnapping the hinge structure 75 of therespective edge piece 71 from the hinge bosses 76 and rotating the doorabout the hinge bosses 76 on the opposite side of the door 38. Thisrotation is illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21, which are schematic topviews of the door 38 and one of the side cable guides 42 of FIGS. 17 and18. As shown therein, portions of the hinge arms 77,79 rotate aroundsemi-cylindrical surfaces of the hinge boss. As the door 38 is rotatedto the position shown in FIG. 21, it will be appreciated that the doorretaining stop at the end of the outer hinge arm 77 reaches a camlocated at the distal end of the hinge boss 76. When it does so, itsnaps into place, thereby holding the door 38 in place in that position.The force required to rotate the door 38 out of that position isintended to be relatively minimal such that a user may manipulate thedoor 38 easily to remain open or to be closed, as desired.

As shown in FIGS. 2A, 3 and 4, two or more vertical cable manager units32 may be stacked on top of each other to create a modular verticalcable manager 30 of greater length. This may accomplished using spliceplates 34 to connect side cable guides 42 together. FIG. 22 is anisometric view of one of the splice plates 34 of FIG. 4. As showntherein, the splice plate 34 is a flat, elongated structure having anotch 92 at each end. Each notch 92 includes at least one and preferablytwo locking catches 93 arranged therein.

FIGS. 23 and 24 are fragmentary side isometric views of the splice plate34 of FIG. 22 and one of the side cable guides 42 of FIG. 4. As perhapsbest seen in FIG. 23, the side cable guide 42 includes a plurality ofribs 94, forming a bed for receiving the splice plate 34, and aplurality of tabs 95 cover the bed for retaining the splice plate 34 onthe bed, thereby forming a receptacle for receiving an end of the spliceplate 34. An upright lock tab 96 is disposed at the inner end of thebed. To connect the splice plate 34 to the cable guide 42, the spliceplate 34 may be inserted beneath the tabs 95 and onto the ribs 94 of thebed. When the slot 92 in the end of the splice plate 34 encounters thelock tab 96, a beveled portion of one of the locking catches 93 forcesthe lock tab 96 to bend aside until the splice plate 34 is fully seatedin the cable guide 42, at which point the lock tab 96 snaps into placebehind the locking catch 93 as shown in FIG. 24, thereby locking thesplice plate 34 in place. The opposite end of the splice plate 34 may beconnected to the end of a second side cable guide 42 in the same manner.FIG. 25 is a side plan view of the splice plate 34 of FIG. 22 and two ofthe side cable guides 42 of FIG. 4, wherein the lock tab 96 of thesecond side cable guide 42 is being forced aside by the locking catch93. This construction facilitates the assembly of a cable manager 30without the use of any tools.

The splice plate 34 may be removed from either of the cable guides 42 bydepressing the respective lock tab 96, thereby removing it as anobstacle to removal of the locking catch 93, and pulling the spliceplate 34 out of the cable guide 42. The lock tabs 96 protrude slightlyfrom their surroundings to facilitate this purpose. Disassembly is thuslikewise achievable without the use of any tools.

Returning to FIG. 5, the rear accessory mounting holes 49 make itpossible to quickly and easily connect additional accessories to therear of the single-sided vertical cable manager units 32. FIGS. 26 and27 are fragmentary isometric views of a portion of the rear of one ofthe side cable guides 42 of FIG. 4, while FIG. 28 is a fragmentaryisometric view of a cable management accessory 50 being attached to apair of side cable guides 42, and FIG. 29 is a fragmentary isometricview of two such cable management accessories 50 mounted on the pair ofside cable guides 42 of FIG. 28. As perhaps best seen in FIGS. 26 and27, the rear accessory mounting hole is a slot of T-shaped cross sectionthat is arranged in the body of the vertical support column 46 and opento the side such that the head of a bolt 52 may be inserted into theslot in such a way that the shank of the bolt 52 protrudes from the rearof the column 46. When used with a hex-headed bolt 52 of the propersize, the head of the bolt 52 is restrained from turning when it isretained in the slot. Thus, as shown in FIG. 28, bolts 52 may beinserted into the mounting holes 49 on a pair of cable guides 42 suchthat their respective shanks may be used to mount an accessory 50, suchas a conventional cable ring, on the rear of the cable manager 30. Asshown in FIG. 29, a plurality of such accessories 50 may be attached ina column, thereby enhancing the cable management capabilities of theassembly.

Advantageously, the accessory mounting holes 49, which may be moldedinto the side cable guides 42 in an injection molding process, permitaccessories 50 to be attached quickly and easily by requiring only asingle tool, rather than two, to manipulate the bolt 52. This is becausethe head of the bolt 52 is imprisoned in the hole 49 and need not berestrained from turning with a separate tool. Furthermore, for anaccessory 50 like the cable ring shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the spacingof the apertures 54 in the ring 50 prevents the bolts 52 from slidingout of the holes 49 once their shanks have been inserted through theapertures 54.

It will be appreciated that other accessories may be substituted for thecable rings shown in FIGS. 28 and 29.

The modular construction of the vertical cable manager units permitscable managers of a variety of dimensions to be constructed from alimited number of part sizes. Cable manager units 32 of multipledifferent widths may be constructed using the same side cable guides 32by substituting midsection members 80 of different lengths. FIG. 30 isan isometric view of a set of four midsection members 80,180,280,380 ofdifferent lengths, which in one commercial embodiment may includelengths of 6 inches, 8 inches, 10 inches and 12 inches. The third ofthese lengths (i.e., the 10-inch version) is featured in the verticalcable manager 30 of FIGS. 2A, 3 and 4, while the smallest of theselengths (i.e., the 6-inch version) is featured in the vertical cablemanager 130 of FIG. 33, discussed below. Other widths are likewisepossible as well. It will be appreciated, of course, that the width ofthe door 38 must likewise be changed, although as described previously,when the composite door structure is utilized, only the center panel 70needs to be changed; the edge pieces 71 are usable with any width centerpanel 70.

Cable managers 30 of multiple different heights (lengths) may likewisebe constructed using the same midsection members 80 by substituting sidecable guides 32 of different lengths. FIG. 31 is a side plan view of aset of two side cable guides 42,43 of different lengths, which in onecommercial embodiment may include lengths of 36 inches (3 feet) and 42inches (3.5 feet). When arranged on the basis of standard RMUs, asdescribed previously, the 36-inch length includes twenty T-shapedprojections (“fingers”) 63 and the 42-inch length includes twenty-sixT-shaped projections (“fingers”) 63. Thus, cable managers of either 36inches or 42 inches may be created using only a single cable managerunit 32, depending on which length is chosen. In addition, however,cable managers 30 of at least three different standardized lengths maybe created by pairing two cable manager units 32. FIG. 32 is a side planview of a three different pairs of side cable guides representing threedifferent cable manager heights (lengths). The pairing on the left is oftwo 36-inch lengths (6 feet total); the pairing in the center is of one36-inch length and one 42-inch length (7 feet total); and the pairing onthe right is of two 42-inch lengths (8 feet total).

It will be further appreciated that any of a variety of cable managementaccessories (not shown) may be installed in a cable manager unit 32 bymounting them to the midsection members 80. Examples of such accessoriesare described and illustrated, for example, in U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. US 2009/0236117 A1.

The various features described above contribute to a cable manager 30that is fast to assemble, requires minimal tools to assemble, and makesa small packaging footprint. The mounting of the cable manager 30 to arack 20 is faster since it requires only a single wrench; the mountingbolts are prevented from rotating by hex shaped holes 45 in the sidecable guides 42.

The cable manager units and resulting cable managers described so farare “single-sided” cable managers in that they include T-shapedprojections extending only in one direction, and thus comprise only onevertical cable trough for routing cables on either the front or back ofthe rack 10. FIG. 33 is an isometric view of a double-sided verticalcable manager 130 in accordance with one or more preferred embodimentsof the present invention. Like the single-sided cable manager 30, thedouble-sided vertical cable manager 130 includes one or more verticalcable manager units 132, each including a pair of side cable guides 142and one or more midsection members 80. The cable manager units 132 mayhave the same or different heights. In FIG. 33, two cable manager units132 are shown, each with a different height. The double-sided cablemanager also includes two doors 38, rather than one, because it includestwo vertical cable troughs. Two or more vertical cable manager units 132may be interconnected using a pair of splice plates 34.

The various components of the double-sided cable manager units 132 aresimilar to those of the single-sided units 32 except that the side cableguides 142 include T-shaped projections 63 extending both forwardly andrearwardly. Advantages and uses of a double-sided vertical cable managerare similar to those described in U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. US 2009/0236117 A1. The side cable guides 142 also fail to includerear accessory mounting holes 49.

As described herein, the invention is disclosed in a verticalorientation. However, it will be appreciated that all or part of theinvention as described herein may be implemented in a horizontalorientation. For example, it is contemplated that the cable manager asdescribed herein may be implemented for use in a horizontal orientation.

Based on the foregoing information, it will be readily understood bythose persons skilled in the art that the present invention issusceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments andadaptations of the present invention other than those specificallydescribed herein, as well as many variations, modifications, andequivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggestedby the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, withoutdeparting from the substance or scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein indetail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to beunderstood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary ofthe present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing afull and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosureis not intended to be construed to limit the present invention orotherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations,modifications or equivalent arrangements; the present invention beinglimited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of arranging or assembling a modularcable manager without the aid of tools, the method comprising: providingfirst and second side cable guides each comprised of a plurality ofprojections that extend forwardly from a support column; providing afirst midsection member having a first length and a generally uniformcross-sectional shape; inserting a first end of the first midsectionmember into a socket of the support column of the first side cable guidesuch that a locking tab of the support column of the first side cableguide engages the first end of the first midsection member; andinserting a second end of the first midsection member, opposite thefirst end, into a socket of the support column of the second side cableguide such that a locking tab of the support column of the second sidecable guide engages the second end of the first midsection member. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein, for each of the first and second sidecable guides, the locking tab is beveled.
 3. The method of claim 2,wherein, for each of the first and second side cable guides, inserting arespective end of the first midsection member includes applying apushing force against the first midsection member that is sufficient todeflect the locking tab.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein, for each ofthe first and second side cable guides, inserting a respective end ofthe first midsection member further includes releasing the deflectedlocking tab so that a catch portion extends through a respective lockingaperture of the first midsection member, thereby securing the firstmidsection member to the first and second side cable guides.
 5. Themethod of claim 4, further comprising: depressing the locking tabs sothat the catch portions no longer extend through the respective lockingapertures; and withdrawing the first midsection member from the socketof each of the first and second side cable guide.
 6. The method of claim5, further comprising: providing a second midsection member having asecond length, different from the first length, and a generally uniformcross-sectional shape; inserting a first end of the second midsectionmember into the socket of the support column of the first side cableguide such that the locking tab of the support column of the first sidecable guide engages the first end of the second midsection member; andinserting a second end of the second midsection member, opposite thefirst end, into the socket of the support column of the second sidecable guide such that the locking tab of the support column of thesecond side cable guide engages the second end of the second midsectionmember.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein, for each of the first andsecond side cable guides, inserting a respective end of the firstmidsection member includes positioning a shelf disposed at an interiorof each socket within a respective alignment slot at each end of thefirst midsection member.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein, for each ofthe first and second side cable guides, each socket is tapered such thata width at an entrance thereto is greater than a width at an interiorthereof.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing a coverhaving a panel with first and second hinge structures disposed atopposite edges thereof, each of the first and second hinge structuresincluding a pair of fingers that define a channel; and arranging thecover relative to a selected one of the first and second side cableguides such that at least one of the plurality of projections of theselected side cable guide is received within the channel of one of thefirst and second hinge structures.
 10. The method of claim 9, whereinthe cover has a single-piece extruded construction.
 11. The method ofclaim 9, wherein each of the first and second hinge structures is aseparate component fitted to a respective edge of the panel.
 12. Themethod of claim 9, wherein the at least one of the plurality ofprojections of the selected side cable guide is a hinge boss.
 13. Themethod of claim 9, further comprising pivoting the cover toward theother of the first and second side cable guides so that at least one ofthe plurality of projections of the other of the first and second sidecable guides is received within the channel of the other of the firstand second hinge structures.
 14. A method of arranging or assembling amodular cable manager without the aid of tools, the method comprising:providing upper and lower cable manager units, each comprised of a pairof side cable guides interconnected via a separate midsection member,each side cable guide including a plurality of projections that extendforwardly from a support column; providing a splice plate having abeveled locking catch at each of first and second opposite ends thereof;positioning the first end of the splice plate within a first receivingarea disposed at a top of a selected one of the support columns of thelower cable manager unit; maneuvering the splice plate so that thebeveled locking catch at the first end deflects and then releases a locktab, disposed at an interior of the first receiving area, into a lockedposition, thereby securing the first end of the splice plate to thelower cable manager unit; positioning the second end of the splice platewithin a second receiving area disposed at a bottom of a selected one ofthe support columns of the upper cable manager unit; and maneuvering thesplice plate so that the beveled locking catch at the second enddeflects and then releases a lock tab, disposed at an interior of thesecond receiving area, into a locked position, thereby securing thesecond end of the splice plate to the upper cable manager unit; wherein,upon securement of the splice plate to each of the upper and lower cablemanager units, the upper and lower cable manager units are secured in anend-to-end relationship.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the uppercable manager unit has a first height and the lower cable manager unithas a second height different from the first height.
 16. The method ofclaim 14, further comprising: providing a cover having a panel withfirst and second hinge structures disposed at opposite edges thereof,each of the first and second hinge structures including a pair offingers that define a channel; and arranging the cover relative to oneof the upper and lower cable manager units such that at least one of theplurality of projections of one of the pair of side cable guides isreceived within the channel of one of the first and second hingestructures.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the cover has asingle-piece extruded construction.
 18. The method of claim 16, whereineach of the first and second hinge structures is a separate componentfitted to a respective edge of the panel.
 19. The method of claim 14,further comprising: depressing the lock tab at one of the first andsecond cable manager units so that the lock tab becomes deflected,thereby freeing the splice plate to be removed from the respectivereceiving area; and separating the upper and lower cable manager unitsfrom one another.
 20. A method of arranging or assembling a modularcable manager without the aid of tools, the method comprising: providingfirst, second, third and fourth side cable guides each comprised of aplurality of projections that extend forwardly from a support column;providing first and second midsection members each having a generallyuniform cross-sectional shape; providing a splice plate having a lockingcatch at each of first and second opposite ends thereof; inserting afirst end of the first midsection member into a socket of the supportcolumn of the first side cable guide and inserting a second end of thefirst midsection member, opposite the first end, into a socket of thesupport column of the second side cable guide, thereby forming a firstcable manager unit; inserting a first end of the second midsectionmember into a socket of the support column of the third side cable guideand inserting a second end of the second midsection member, opposite thefirst end, into a socket of the support column of the fourth side cableguide, thereby forming a second cable manager unit; positioning thefirst end of the splice plate within a first receiving area disposed ata top of a selected one of the support columns of the first cablemanager unit so that a locking catch at the first end engages a lock tabdisposed at an interior of the first receiving area; and positioning thesecond end of the splice plate within a second receiving area disposedat a bottom of a selected one of the support columns of the second cablemanager unit so that a locking catch at the second end engages a locktab disposed at an interior of the second receiving area; wherein, uponengagement of the locking catches of the splice plate with therespective lock tabs, the first and second cable manager units aresecured in an end-to-end relationship.